Thermal Dispersion Flow Switches

Dwyer Instruments, Inc. offers several flow measuring products that use a thermal sensing element.

Thermal dispersion flow sensors use a temperature element that is heated up beyond the media temperature. Based on calorimetry, the flow moving past the sensor will have a cooling effect that is directly proportional to the flow velocity. The heat is convected from the heated probe surface to the boundary layer of the fluid flowing over the heated surface. There are several thermal dispersion techniques using either single or multiple temperature sensors. Commonly, a resistance temperature detector (RTD) is used as the sensor. Multiple temperature sensor models use a temperature difference between the two sensors to calculate flow.

The Thermal Dispersion Flow Switch, Series TDFS2, uses a single platinum RTD sensor that is heated and cooled over several steps. First, the RTD measures media temperature as a reference. Second, the RTD is heated to a fixed differential temperature above the media temperature, creating a temperature gradient and storing thermal energy. Third, the probe is allowed to cool down from the flow to another fixed differential temperature above the media temperature. A thermal decay time constant is then calculated. Lastly, the probe is allowed to cool before the next cycle of measurements.

The Series TDFS2  indicates whether the flow rate is above or below a user set flow rate. The unit incorporates two LED status indicators providing visual switch indication. It is ideal for applications such as: boiler flow proving, hot water heaters, chillers, and liquid transfer systems.

Thermal dispersion flow switches have many advantages over mechanical flow switches because there are no moving parts, such as paddles or vanes. This offers better long term reliability and life expectancy. There are no moving parts to wear that could create leaks or switch failures; no parts to get jammed or stuck from particulate in the media; and no parts that can break off into the flow causing downstream damage in pumps or valves. They are also omni-directional, offering easier installation without concerns on flow alignment. Additionally, since a thermal switch only needs to be inserted 10% into the flow, the pressure drop is much lower.

To learn more about the Thermal Dispersion Flow Switch, Series TDFS2, or any other flow switches that Dwyer offers, please visit our website.